Introduction to the Bond Between Jaquan Brisker and Dennis Allen
CHICAGO (WGN) — There’s an alternate universe where Jaquan Brisker never joined the Chicago Bears, but was still drafted by their new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen.
Brisker’s relationship with Allen goes all the way back to the 2022 NFL Combine, the fourth-year safety told WGN News’ Kaitlin Sharkey in an interview Sunday.
The Origins of the Relationship
"Me and Dennis go way back to the [scouting] combine," Brisker said. "They were like the 49th pick and if the Bears didn’t take me, I think the Saints would have taken me." Allen served as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2022-24. The Bears took Brisker with the 48th pick in the 2022 draft. One selection later, the Saints took Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor.
Comparison of Career Paths
Taylor has 210 combined tackles, five sacks and two interceptions in 47 games (37 starts) for New Orleans. Brisker has 249 combined tackles, six sacks and three interceptions in 35 games (35 starts) for Chicago. The difference in their career paths raises interesting questions about how each player would have performed under different circumstances.
Reunited on the Same Unit
"I had a great interview with them. [We] Went over their scheme and things like that," Brisker said. "When I first met with him in the [Bears] facility, the first thing I told him was one of the defenses he taught me and he just laughed. He started cracking up." Now that Brisker and Allen are reunited on the same unit, the Bears safety is looking forward to seeing how many different looks his new defensive coordinator can put him in to impact opposing offenses.
Expectations for the Upcoming Season
"He loves playing with his defensive backs. He loves moving them around," Brisker said of Allen’s play-calling tendencies. "I’ve been watching a lot of film on his defense and his scheme so, I’m really excited about that because that fits right into my toolbox. I love moving around. I see he has an attacking defense and then he has defenses where the DB’s are going to be aggressive. That fits right into our system. That fits right into my playstyle so, I’m ready."
Upcoming Team Schedule
The first day of the Bears’ offseason workout program is Monday, April 7. Chicago’s voluntary minicamp takes place from April 21-23. OTA offseason workouts take place May 20-22, 27-30 and June 9-11. Mandatory minicamp is June 3-5.
Conclusion
The reunion of Jaquan Brisker and Dennis Allen on the Chicago Bears is a promising development for the team. With their established relationship and complementary playing styles, fans can expect to see exciting defensive plays in the upcoming season. As the team prepares for the offseason workout program and minicamps, the bond between Brisker and Allen will likely play a significant role in shaping the team’s defensive strategy.
FAQs
- Q: When did Jaquan Brisker and Dennis Allen first meet?
A: Brisker and Allen first met at the 2022 NFL Combine. - Q: Which team was Brisker drafted by in the 2022 NFL draft?
A: Brisker was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 48th pick. - Q: What is the upcoming schedule for the Bears’ offseason workout program?
A: The first day of the Bears’ offseason workout program is Monday, April 7, followed by voluntary minicamp from April 21-23, OTA offseason workouts, and mandatory minicamp from June 3-5.
